How Much Does a Trust Cost in the UK? 2026 Price Guide
£300 – £3000
Last updated 2026-01-15
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Trust costs depend on the type of trust and when it's created. Will trusts are usually included in will-writing fees, while lifetime trusts cost more to set up.
Trust Types and Costs
- Will trust (on death): £300-600 (included in complex will)
- Lifetime trust: £500-1,500 setup
- Discretionary trust: £750-2,000
- Property protection trust: £400-800
Ongoing Costs
- Trust Registration Service: Now required for most trusts
- Annual tax returns: £150-500/year if needed
- Trustee meetings/admin: Varies
- 10-year charges: Up to 6% for some trusts
Your options compared
Will Trust (Basic)
£300-500 extra- No immediate tax charge
- Takes effect on death
- Can be updated with will
- Only works after death
- Can't protect assets now
Best for: Protecting assets for children in blended families
Property Protection Trust
£400-800- Protects home
- Can help with care fees
- Spouse can stay
- May not prevent all care fee issues
- Complex tax rules
Best for: Protecting the family home while allowing spouse to live there
Discretionary Trust (Lifetime)
£750-2,000- Maximum flexibility
- Asset protection
- Tax planning potential
- Potential 20% entry charge
- 10-year charges
- Ongoing admin
Best for: High-value estates with tax planning needs
Bare Trust
£300-600- Simple structure
- Tax efficient for minors
- Low admin
- Beneficiary gets full access at 18
- No flexibility
Best for: Holding assets for children until 18
What affects the price
| Trust type | Simple bare trusts cheapest; discretionary trusts most expensive |
| Lifetime vs will | Lifetime trusts have immediate setup costs |
| Assets involved | Property transfers add Land Registry fees |
| Tax implications | Some trusts trigger immediate 20% IHT charge |
| Ongoing admin | Complex trusts need annual accounting and returns |
Common questions
Do trusts save inheritance tax?
Some do, some don't. Discretionary trusts may trigger entry charges. Proper advice is essential - the wrong trust can increase tax.
Can I be a trustee of my own trust?
Yes for lifetime trusts - you can be a trustee. You can't be a trustee of a will trust as it only takes effect after death.
Do I need to register my trust?
Most trusts must now register with HMRC's Trust Registration Service. There are some exceptions for simple trusts.
What are 10-year charges?
Discretionary trusts face a potential charge every 10 years, up to 6% of the trust value. This affects tax planning decisions.
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